No surprise Thursday when the Marlins dealt former first round pick Jeremy Hermida to the Boston Red Sox for a pair of left-handers. Certain factions of the front office were ready to give up on Hermida after the 2008 season. He really didn't do anything in 2009 to win back his detractors.

By no means was Hermida a bust in the true sense of the word. He's not Jaime Jones or Chip Ambres. Yet he departs the only franchise he's known as probably one of the biggest underachievers to wear the uniform. Were the expectations unrealistic? Maybe to a degree, but especially since Hanley Ramirez emerged no one expected Hermida to hoist the franchise on his shoulders. Had Hermida consistently hit .275 with 20 homers, 80 RBI and a .375 on-base percentage he might still be a Marlin. He's certainly capable of those numbers.

Hermida doesn't turn 26 until January. He's had issues staying on he field, but I he's far from washed up. Last night he said a change of scenery should benefit him. I would agree, though I wonder whether the high intensity environment in Boston is conducive for a low-key guy like Hermida to have an offensive renaissance.

Is Hermida the most exasperating player in franchise history? I think he's in the conversation with guys like Josh Booty and A.J. Burnett. Derrek Lee didn't tap his full potential until he went to Chicago. You could probably argue Brad Penny's numbers weren't commensurate with his talent. A few guys on the current roster might qualify with a subpar 2010.

Comments (11 Comments)

Since the Marlins did not get much for him, it is logical to assume that they did not want to go through another arbitration with Hermida and overpay him for another year.
If hermida needs a low pressure environment to do well, then he really missed out on almost the perfect place for him. It will be interesting to see where Hermida is on opening day 2010 – in Red Sox starting lineup, on the bench or with another team.

Hermida is insurance in case Boston does not sign Bay or Holliday. Not to mention JD Drew is always threat to go on the DL. But worst case for Boston he is a decent reserve lefty bat on their bench.
At the salary Hermida will be making Boston can afford to have him as a useful bench player. Marlins can’t afford to pay their reserves that salary.

Derek Lee should not be in the conversation at all. Sure, his bat didn’t explode until he got to Chicago. But, he was very productive in his last season and a half with the Fish. He was also incredible playing first base.

I think this is good for Jeremy. A change in scenery was probably what he needs. The Fish got a couple of lefties, so we’ll se how that turns out. It’s all about money though. Keep em’ young and cheap and hope for the best.

big diff between wrigley and landshark, definately helped lee’s power numbers.
and AJ was a much better player for the marlins than Hermida, despite the fact that he ultimately was a disappointment. Hermida was a much better teammate and person, though… although AJ cleaned up his act later on. the fact that he’s a classy guy is why i hope he finally puts it all together. unlike beckett, he’s a former marlin that i will be pulling for.

I think you could add Josh Beckett to the mix. Before the 2003 season, he was known more for his blisters and high potential than his on-field performance.
With his World Series dominance, everyone thought he’d turned the corner and would take his place as one of the game’s best pitchers. Yet his ‘04 season was decent but unremarkable.
Beckett finally had his first excellent season in ‘05. In fact, it was the only time as a Marlin he finished more than one game over .500. Then he was traded to Boston that offseason.
Underperformance, a tantalizing run of postseason dominance, more underperformance, then traded after his first really good season–that seems like exasperation defined.

The ONLY low pressure environment Hermida can function in is that of a crossing guard back in his home town of Marietta, Georgia.
People in Boston will NOT react as quietly to Hermida’s ineptitude at the plate, in the field and on the basepaths. For all i know Jeremy does not even flush the toilet.

Advertisement

About the author

JUAN C. RODRIGUEZ
My career covering the Marlins has been all about good timing. At Florida Today, I became the...